In a robust uptick reflective of a broadening appetite for various forms of gambling, February 2024 saw the Danish gambling sector experience a significant increase in activity, with a marked 18.3% rise in gross gaming revenue (GGR) across betting, online casino, gaming machines and land-based casinos, equivalent to DKK587 million. The figures, evincing an energetic start to the year, encompass sports betting through online platforms to the traditional clinking of coins in gaming machines.
The charge was led substantially by sports betting, which registered a remarkable 32.5% increase in GGR, climbing from DKK134.0 million to DKK178.0 million, and online casinos, which also enjoyed a healthy ascent as their GGR jumped by 18.5% from DKK234.0 million to DKK278.0 million. Analysts suggest that this upward trajectory can be attributed to a decrease in the return to player (RTP) rate in these gambling categories compared to the same period in the prior year.
In the granular view of the market, sports betting contributed 30.2% and online casinos commanded 47.3% of the market’s GGR. Gaming machines, showing steady performance, noted a slight year-on-year increase of 1.85%, moving from DKK98.0 million to DKK100.0 million. Land-based casinos, too, saw gains, notching up a 7.0% rise in GGR from DKK30.0 million to DKK32.0 million.
As Denmark continues to embrace mobile platforms for gambling, it was recorded that for sports betting, a dominant 65.6% of all bets in February were placed on mobile devices, with desktops lagging behind at 24.1% and retail comprising just over 10%. Conversely, the online casino segment witnessed a preference for desktop betting, which accounted for 38.8% of all placed bets, although mobile still held the majority with 61.1%.
The Danish regulator Spillemyndigheden not only monitors the financial metrics but also places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling. The report drew upon data from the Register of Self-Excluded Gamblers (ROFUS) and StopSpillet, the national problem gambling helpline, highlighting ongoing efforts to mitigate problematic gambling behaviors.
An interesting demographic trend within the realm of self-exclusion was observed, with men representing 77.2% of registered individuals, while women accounted for 22.76%. The total number of self-excluded persons exhibited relative stability with a slight increase of 1,500 over the year, culminating in 48,685 registrations in 2024.
Moreover, the problem gambling helpline StopSpillet provided insights into the demographics and nature of enquiries it received. The majority of calls were made by men aged 18 to 35, echoing the gender distribution in self-exclusion statistics. A significant number of these calls, which stood at 2,933 inquiries, delved into troublesome interactions with gambling.
Breaking down the calls, approximately 56% were from individuals seeking help for themselves, while 40% came from concerned relatives, often parents. Professionals contributed to 4% of the inquiries. An in-depth look revealed a predominance of concerns relating to online casino and betting, which were the subjects of 67% of calls, illustrating the pervasive nature of digital gambling platforms.
Previous data from May 2023 had unearthed that 88% of calls to StopSpillet originated from individuals who had gambled first between the ages of 18 and 25, with an alarming 50% disclosing first bets placed under the age of 17. This highlights a tension between the legal gambling age and the age at which many appear to have initial contact with gambling.
These insights underscore a clear expansion in the Danish gambling market, coupled with a need for sustained vigilance and support systems to address the facets of problem gambling. The industry’s profitability and its potential impacts on the well-being of individuals will continue to be monitored closely as Denmark adapts to the evolving landscape of both recreational and problematic gambling.
